U.S. SenateNPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94Stories from Michigan Radio.NPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94U.S. SenateFri, 16 Sep 2016 08:38:57 +0000U.S. Senatehttp://michiganradio.org
Lindsey SmithThe U.S. Senate has approved a $10 billion water projects bill that includes money for Flint, Michigan - nearly a year after a public health emergency was first declared there because of lead-contaminated water. U.S. Senate approves bill that could provide more money for Flint water crisishttp://michiganradio.org/post/us-senate-approves-bill-could-provide-more-money-flint-water-crisis
27978 as http://michiganradio.orgThu, 15 Sep 2016 20:21:12 +0000U.S. Senate approves bill that could provide more money for Flint water crisisBryce HuffmanMichigan Democrats and Flint leaders continue to urge Congress to help Flint with its ongoing water crisis. State and city officials want Congress to help Flint and other cities improve or replace their aging water infrastructure. Congressman Dan Kildee, D-MI, represents Michigan's 5th district, which includes Flint. He says too many children in Flint have been exposed to the lead in the city's drinking water. "It shocks the conscience that a year after this story became public, and more than two years after this crisis really began, that people in Flint still can't drink their water," Kildee says. The Senate is considering a water resources development bill that would help Flint and other cities improve or replace old water infrastructure. Flint leaders demand action from Congress regarding water crisishttp://michiganradio.org/post/flint-leaders-demand-action-congress-regarding-water-crisis
27957 as http://michiganradio.orgWed, 14 Sep 2016 20:20:38 +0000Flint leaders demand action from Congress regarding water crisisLev FacherSenator Gary Peters, D-Mich., took the Senate floor on Wednesday as part of a Democratic filibuster meant to draw attention to gun control issues in the wake of Sunday's mass shooting in Orlando, in which 49 people at a gay nightclub were killed by a gunman using a legally purchased assault rifle. Peters said the circumstances surrounding the shooting were complex, but the Senate must do more to institute universal background checks for prospective gun-buyers and stop individuals on terrorist watch lists from buying weapons. "Complexity is not an argument for inaction," Peters said. "We need to start somewhere. Thoughts and prayers can be meaningful, and are certainly powerful. But we need to do more than just offer our thoughts and prayers. Now is the time for action." Peters began his remarks by calling attention to Tevin Crosby, 25, and Christopher Andrew Leinonen, 32, two former Michigan residents who were among the victims of the deadliest mass shooting in American history. WatchU.S. Sen. Gary Peters participates in Senate filibuster over gun controlhttp://michiganradio.org/post/us-sen-gary-peters-participates-senate-filibuster-over-gun-control
26767 as http://michiganradio.orgWed, 15 Jun 2016 21:32:22 +0000U.S. Sen. Gary Peters participates in Senate filibuster over gun controlSteve Carmody The United States Senate has passed a resolution calling on Iran to release a Flint man. Amir Hekmati has sat in an Iranian prison cell for more than three years. The former U.S. marine denies the spying charges for which an Iranian court convicted him. The lawmakers on Monday called on Iran to free Saeed Abedini, Amir Hekmati and Jason Rezaian, and cooperate with the U.S. government to locate and return former FBI agent Robert Levinson, who is believed to be missing in Iran. U.S. Senate calls on Iran to release Amir Hekmatihttp://michiganradio.org/post/us-senate-calls-iran-release-amir-hekmati
22005 as http://michiganradio.orgMon, 11 May 2015 23:38:33 +0000U.S. Senate calls on Iran to release Amir HekmatiStateside Staff When he was elected to the U.S. Senate, Gary Peters promised to approach his job in a spirit of bipartisan cooperation. He says that's exactly what's behind the first two bills he has introduced in the Senate. Sen. Gary Peters on bi-partisanship and the two bills he is co-sponsoring http://michiganradio.org/post/sen-gary-peters-bi-partisanship-and-two-bills-he-co-sponsoring
21223 as http://michiganradio.orgThu, 05 Mar 2015 21:02:04 +0000Sen. Gary Peters on bi-partisanship and the two bills he is co-sponsoring Rick PlutaCarl Levin retires from Congress at the end of the year. He Michigan’s senior U.S. senator reflects on his career this weekend in an interview on Michigan Public Television. Levin sat down for an interview with Senior Capitol Correspondent Tim Skubick for the show “Off the Record.” He says he first started to think about calling it quits a couple years ago. He says the decision not to seek reelection freed him up to focus on his official responsibilities without the distractions of campaigning and fundraising. “I just didn’t want to be doing that instead of two things which I’ve been focusing on these last two years,” he said. “One are the wars. But, secondly, is my responsibility as chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations going after some of the abuses on Wall Street.” In particular, Levin says cutting off the ways that financial firms dodge taxes. But, Levin also says, at the age of 80, it was time for him to move on. “I’d seen too many people in the Senate stay tooCarl Levin says he didn’t want to overstay in U.S. Senatehttp://michiganradio.org/post/carl-levin-says-he-didn-t-want-overstay-us-senate
20072 as http://michiganradio.orgFri, 28 Nov 2014 22:30:38 +0000Carl Levin says he didn’t want to overstay in U.S. SenateEmily Fox This Week in Michigan Politics, Emily Fox and Jack Lessenberry review Election Day in Michigan including voter turnout, victories and disappointments for both parties, and what yesterday’s results could mean for the next four years. Election Day losses and victories, low voter turnouts, and the next 4 yearshttp://michiganradio.org/post/election-day-losses-and-victories-low-voter-turnouts-and-next-4-years
19764 as http://michiganradio.orgWed, 05 Nov 2014 15:35:48 +0000Election Day losses and victories, low voter turnouts, and the next 4 yearsMichigan Radio NewsroomOver the past few months, Michigan Radio hosted live call-in shows with the candidates for Michigan governor and U.S. Senate. The broadcasts were part of the Michigan Public Radio Network’s “Michigan Calling” series of 2014 election specials. Rick Pluta, the Michigan Public Radio Network’s state Capitol bureau chief, hosted each hour-long program. Listeners had the choice of calling in or submitting questions via Facebook at “Michigan Calling,” or Twitter using the hashtag: #MICalling. You can watch or listen to the programs below. Watch or listen to call-in shows with Michigan candidates for governor, U.S. Senatehttp://michiganradio.org/post/watch-or-listen-call-shows-michigan-candidates-governor-us-senate
19720 as http://michiganradio.orgMon, 03 Nov 2014 17:33:52 +0000Watch or listen to call-in shows with Michigan candidates for governor, U.S. SenateMichigan Radio Newsroom The Michigan Public Radio Network's Rick Pluta sat down with the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate Terri Lynn Land on Friday, Oct. 3, 2014. She took questions from our statewide audience. Terri Lynn Land served two terms as Michigan’s 41st Secretary of State (2003-2010). Land was elected to the Republican National Committee. She is a graduate of Grandville High School, and went to Hope College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Lynn’s Democratic opponent in the race for U.S. Senator is Gary Peters. To listen to our Michigan Calling program with Peters, go here. Terri Lynn Land takes your questions on "Michigan Calling" http://michiganradio.org/post/terri-lynn-land-takes-your-questions-michigan-calling
19343 as http://michiganradio.orgFri, 03 Oct 2014 12:53:44 +0000Terri Lynn Land takes your questions on "Michigan Calling" Steve CarmodyThere’s still more than a month before the November general election, but many Michigan voters are already getting their hands on the ballot. Today, the Lansing City Clerk’s office mailed out 5,000 absentee ballots. The office sent electronic ballots to U.S. servicemen and women, and other overseas voters last week. Clerk Chris Swope says demand for absentee ballots is bigger than normal, which he partially credits with the close race for governor. “We’ve got a U.S. Senate race that’s close. We’ve got an open congressional district that covers the city of Lansing. I think there’s just some interest in what’s going on this year,” says Swope. “I always like it when voters care and want to get out and vote.” Would-be voters only have until Oct. 6 to register to vote in November’s general election. “Your vote is your voice,” says Linda Hoff of the Flint Area League of Women Voters. “Voting empowers us to bring about positive change, to work for a brighter future for our children, ourDemand for absentee ballots increases in Michigan; registration deadline nearshttp://michiganradio.org/post/demand-absentee-ballots-increases-michigan-registration-deadline-nears
19265 as http://michiganradio.orgFri, 26 Sep 2014 20:00:00 +0000Demand for absentee ballots increases in Michigan; registration deadline nearsStateside Staff With 48 days to go until the Nov. 4 election, many people are wondering if Michigan voters would ever get a chance to hear a debate between the candidates for U.S. Senate and for governor. Republican Terri Lynn Land took the first step today toward holding a debate with Democratic rival Gary Peters. Land's campaign just named Lansing attorney Richard McLellan as its debate negotiator. Land says McLellan will work with Detroit ABC affiliate WXYZ-TV and Peters' campaign to possibly find a West Michigan journalist to co-moderate a debate with WXYZ Editorial Director Chuck Stokes. Peters named former Lt. Gov. John Cherry as his debate negotiator Aug. 6. Peters has accepted three debate invitations outright and two others on the condition that Land also agrees. Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta are co-hosts of Michigan Radio's It's Just Politics. In their views, Michigan voters are clearly looking for the candidates' debates. A debate in the U.S. Senate race more likely?http://michiganradio.org/post/debate-us-senate-race-more-likely
19150 as http://michiganradio.orgWed, 17 Sep 2014 23:42:45 +0000A debate in the U.S. Senate race more likely?Steve CarmodyIt appears highly unlikely there will be a televised debate between Michigan’s two major-party candidates for U.S. Senate this fall. It’s not for a lack of potential debate venues. Two TV stations and Michigan State University have offered to host a debate between Republican Terri Lynn Land and Democrat Gary Peters. The Peters campaign has accepted those invitations, but Land’s campaign has not. Speaking tonight, Land would only say she’s leaving the decision to debate up to “the folks who make those plans,” but declined to say who “those folks” are. “I’m always willing to talk to voters,” Land answered in response to repeated questions about debates. Land and Peters have appeared at the same venue to answer questions, for example at the Detroit Chamber’s Mackinac Policy Conference in May. But they haven’t shared a stage in a formal debate. The Peters campaign today criticized Land’s campaign for not discussing a debate schedule. The possible venues for a U.S. Senate debate may beChances for televised debate in Michigan U.S. Senate race dimminghttp://michiganradio.org/post/chances-televised-debate-michigan-us-senate-race-dimming
18950 as http://michiganradio.orgWed, 03 Sep 2014 01:17:27 +0000Chances for televised debate in Michigan U.S. Senate race dimmingStateside Staff We're about two and a half months away from the November general election and two big statewide races – the race for Governor and U.S. Senate. We're seeing plenty of advertisements in the campaigns, but no debates between the candidates. Jack Lessenberry, Michigan Radio’s political commentator, said the reason for this is that front runners of the elections don’t want to give their opponents a shot to upstage them. Lessenberry said Governor Snyder doesn’t want a debate for this very reason, as it would give his opponent, Democrat Mark Schauer, a chance to win the public over. However the same is not said for the Senate candidates. Republican Terri Lynn Land is falling behind Democrat Gary Peters in polls. Normally Land would want the debate and Peters would not, but in this case, it's the opposite. Lessenberry said he expects at least one debate in the governor's race, but it is unclear whether there will be one for the Senate race. *Listen to the full interview with Jack LessenberryWill we see candidate debates this fall?http://michiganradio.org/post/will-we-see-candidate-debates-fall
18798 as http://michiganradio.orgWed, 20 Aug 2014 20:43:30 +0000Will we see candidate debates this fall?The Associated PressLANSING – Michigan voters have viewed at least $20 million worth of political ads in competitive gubernatorial and U.S. Senate campaigns. But whether they will see Gov. Rick Snyder and Mark Schauer, or Terri Lynn Land and Gary Peters, in one-on-one debates this fall is in question.Debates appear to have lost cachet in Michigan's statewide races.In 2010, Snyder and Democrat Virg Bernero had just one debate in the governor's race. Two years later, incumbent Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow and GOP challenger Pete Hoekstra couldn't agree on even one debate.Because those precedents were set, political strategists say they wouldn't be shocked if no debates are scheduled. They suggest, however, that voters have come to still expect at least one public debate from statewide candidates. Debates in Michigan governor, US Senate races in doubthttp://michiganradio.org/post/debates-michigan-governor-us-senate-races-doubt
18753 as http://michiganradio.orgSun, 17 Aug 2014 15:00:00 +0000Debates in Michigan governor, US Senate races in doubtStateside StaffUsually we do a story when someone decides to run for office. Generally, it's not much news when a possible candidate decides against a run. But, in this case, today it is news. The headline: West Michigan Republican Congressman Justin Amash has decided he will not run for the open U.S. Senate in Michigan in 2014. As of now, former Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land is the only declared Republican candidate. Rick Pluta, Lansing Bureau Chief for the Michigan Public Radio Network joined us today. Listen to the full interview above. Why did Amash decide not to run for US Senate and what happens now?http://michiganradio.org/post/why-did-amash-decide-not-run-us-senate-and-what-happens-now
14483 as http://michiganradio.orgWed, 18 Sep 2013 20:39:52 +0000Why did Amash decide not to run for US Senate and what happens now?Stateside StaffMore than 1,500 works of art, with more than 160 venues, and 47 countries represented. Those are just a few statistics of this year's ArtPrize in Grand Rapids opening today with some 400,000 expected visitors to the city. Michigan Radio's Lindsey Smith was on the scene, and we spoke to her as well as the new Executive Director of ArtPrize. And, Congressman Justin Amash has decided not to run for U.S. senate. What does this decision mean for the rest of the candidates? The University of Michigan announced earlier that they will now offer in-state tuition to undocumented students. We talked with Serena Davila, the executive director for Legislative Affairs for the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, about what this means for the students. Also, how well are health care systems in the U.S. working? A new report by the Commonwealth Fund gave us some answers. And, the small town of Colon in southwest Michigan has been dubbed the “Magic Capital of the World.” We spoke with oneStateside for Wednesday, September 18th, 2013http://michiganradio.org/post/stateside-wednesday-september-18th-2013
14487 as http://michiganradio.orgWed, 18 Sep 2013 20:37:16 +0000Stateside for Wednesday, September 18th, 2013The Associated PressCASCADE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) - A Republican congressman from western Michigan has decided not to run for the U.S. Senate seat opening with the retirement of Democrat Carl Levin.Justin Amash of Kent County's Cascade Township confirmed on Twitter Tuesday night that he won't run. The libertarian conservative has gained a higher profile in the House with a challenge to the National Security Agency's collection of Americans' phone records.Amash's announcement further clears the way for former Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land to proceed with her campaign.Land is the only declared Republican candidate. Democrats have coalesced behind U.S. Rep. Gary Peters of Bloomfield Township. The other known Republican still interested in running is Ypsilanti cardiologist Rob Steele, who's had backing from the tea party.Amash's decision was first reported by the National Journal. Amash declines to run for Michigan US Senate seathttp://michiganradio.org/post/amash-declines-run-michigan-us-senate-seat
14471 as http://michiganradio.orgWed, 18 Sep 2013 12:09:03 +0000Amash declines to run for Michigan US Senate seatMichigan Radio NewsroomMichigan House Republican Dave Camp is considering a possible Senate run in 2014, Politico’s John Bresnahan and Jake Sherman reported.A Midland native, Camp serves as chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, an influential task force in charge of tax writing. Camp has been working across the aisle with Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus, (D-MT), on overhauling the tax code.But Camp’s term-limited chairmanship is ending, and now Washington -- and Michigan -- are buzzing with the possibility of a Senate run. From Politico: "I’m looking at it," Camp said. "It’s a big decision, and I’m going to look at it very carefully and thoughtfully." Politico also reported that the Michigan representative has met with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to discuss the possibility of entering his hat into the senatorial ring. Michigan Republican Dave Camp considers 2014 Senate run http://michiganradio.org/post/michigan-republican-dave-camp-considers-2014-senate-run
13771 as http://michiganradio.orgWed, 31 Jul 2013 15:20:00 +0000Michigan Republican Dave Camp considers 2014 Senate run Michigan Radio NewsroomA group of Republican U.S. senators wants to prohibit the federal government from providing financial support to Detroit. Senators Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Orrin Hatch of Utah and David Vitter of Louisiana have introduced legislation that would block the federal government from intervening in municipal bankruptcies.Governor Rick Snyder and Detroit's Emergency Manager have both said they have not asked for and do not expect a federal bailout. The Obama administration has said Detroit's bankruptcy is between the city and its creditors.Still, Senator Johnson says he wants to make sure all struggling cities know that feds won't bail them out. "What we're trying to do here is put all states, all municipalities, all cities on notice that the federal government certainly is in no position to bail them out," he said. "Those municipalities, those cities, those states really need to get their own fiscal house in order, and shouldn't continue to spend and look to the federal government to bailU.S. senators want to prevent a federal bailout of Detroithttp://michiganradio.org/post/us-senators-want-prevent-federal-bailout-detroit
13702 as http://michiganradio.orgThu, 25 Jul 2013 21:44:43 +0000U.S. senators want to prevent a federal bailout of DetroitJack Lessenberry, Kyle Norris This week in Michigan politics, Jack Lessenberry and Kyle Norris discuss Medicaid expansion in Michigan, immigration reform and how it could affect struggling Michigan cities, and the race for Senator Carl Levin’s seat in the U.S. Senate. This week in Michigan politics: Medicaid expansion, immigration reform, race for U.S. Senate seathttp://michiganradio.org/post/week-michigan-politics-medicaid-expansion-immigration-reform-race-us-senate-seat
13011 as http://michiganradio.orgWed, 12 Jun 2013 13:45:26 +0000This week in Michigan politics: Medicaid expansion, immigration reform, race for U.S. Senate seat